VIMS and W&M’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences provide research, education and advisory service to government, citizens and industry. VIMS and William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences provide research, education and advisory service to Virginia, the nation and the world. Established in 2000, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science Foundation oversees the philanthropic assets supporting the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). The mission of VIMS is to seek and broadly share knowledge in marine and coastal science through research, education, and advisory service. Home to William & Mary’s School of Marine Science, VIMS is one of the largest and most respected marine research and education centers in the United States. The dean and director of VIMS is Dr. D. Derek Aday.